This article covers Samsung 970 EVO 500GB PCIe Gen 3.0 ×4 NVMe M.2 (2280) 最大 3.

Overview

The Samsung 970 EVO 500GB (model MZ-V7E500B/EC) is a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD launched by Samsung in 2018. With sequential read speeds up to 3,400MB/s and write speeds up to 2,300MB/s, it delivers fast storage performance suitable for gaming PCs and creative workstations. It uses Samsung's 64-layer TLC NAND and a custom Phoenix controller, paired with 512MB of DRAM cache on the 500GB model for consistent performance. This SSD is an excellent choice for OS drives in entry-to-mid-range desktop and laptop computers. The 500GB capacity provides enough space for the operating system, key applications, and several games. Samsung Magician software is supported for firmware updates and performance optimization. Market positioning: it sits at the high end of the PCIe 3.0 SSD generation. While newer models like the 970 EVO Plus and 990 EVO have surpassed it, the 970 EVO remains a value-packed option for budget-conscious builds.

Compatibility Guide

The drive uses the M.2 2280 form factor and connects via PCIe 3.0 x4 (NVMe 1.3). It works with any motherboard or laptop that has an M-key M.2 slot supporting PCIe 3.0 x4. It is not compatible with SATA-only M.2 slots, and using a PCIe 2.0 slot will limit speed. Socket: M.2 slot (M-key) Form factor: M.2 2280 (80mm length, 22mm width) Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3 Power: Up to 6W under load, powered directly from the M.2 slot No additional power cables are needed. The drive is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.

Product Info

Released in May 2018, the Samsung 970 EVO 500GB originally retailed for around ¥15,000. Current pricing on Japan is approximately ¥19,980. It comes with a 5-year warranty or until the TBW (Total Bytes Written) limit is reached, which is 300TB for this model. The endurance calculation yields about 0.8 years under continuous 1TB/day writes, but typical usage extends that to several years. * Market position: Mid-to-high-end for PCIe 3.0. While slower than PCIe 4.0 SSDs, it offers excellent real-world performance at a lower price point, making it ideal for budget and mid-range builds.

Best Use Cases

Budget gaming PC builder: For a build targeting 1080p or 1440p gaming, the 970 EVO 500GB provides fast load times for the OS and a few games. It's a cost-effective way to upgrade from a hard drive or SATA SSD. Not ideal for gamers with large libraries (100+ GB per modern title). Creative professional's scratch drive: Video editors and photographers can use it as a fast working drive for project files. The 500GB capacity suits small-to-medium projects, but heavy users should consider a larger variant. * Laptop upgrade: Replacing a 2.5-inch hard drive or SATA SSD with this M.2 NVMe drive dramatically improves boot times and application responsiveness. Low power consumption is a bonus for battery life.

Things to Consider

Compared to modern PCIe 4.0 SSDs, the 970 EVO's sequential speeds are roughly half, but the difference in everyday tasks like booting, launching apps, and loading games is often imperceptible. The 500GB capacity may be restrictive for users with large game libraries; a 1TB model is recommended for heavy users. Firmware updates require Samsung Magician, and occasional issues have been reported with certain motherboard configurations. The drive does not support hardware encryption via TCG Opal, which may matter for enterprise users. Competitors include the Crucial P5 Plus and WD SN750, but the 970 EVO's strong build quality and Samsung's reputation for NAND reliability make it a trustworthy choice. ## FAQ
Q: Can I use this SSD in a PS5? A: No, the PS5 requires a PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD for internal storage expansion. The 970 EVO is PCIe 3.0 and will not work in the internal slot. However, it can be used as an external USB drive for storing PS4 games. Q: What is the difference between the 970 EVO and 970 EVO Plus? A: The 970 EVO Plus uses improved 96-layer NAND (vs 64-layer) and offers slightly higher sequential speeds (3,500/3,300 MB/s read/write). TBW is also higher on the Plus. If the price difference is small, the Plus is a better buy, but the standard 970 EVO is still very capable. Q: Will I see a big improvement upgrading from a SATA SSD? A: Yes, a SATA SSD maxes out around 550MB/s, while the 970 EVO can reach 3,400MB/s reads. This translates to noticeably faster boot times and quicker file transfers. Game loading times can improve by 2-3x depending on the title.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: サムスン(SAMSUNG)
  • ASIN: B07CKX6S7H
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.